Name: Joseph Manumaleuna aka DJ Hyperactive
Occupation: Producer, DJ, label founder at 4TRK
Nationality: American
Current release: DJ Hyperactive teams up with Jason Patrick for their duo Aliasing's new Off The Grid EP, out via 4TRK.
Recommendations for Chicago, USA: I’ve probably taken the architectural boat tour 3 or 4 times on the Chicago River here in the Loop. I learn something new each time. On top of completely getting a different perspective of all the amazing architecture, the history lesson is intriguing.

If you enjoyed this DJ Hyperactive interview and would like to stay up to date with his music, visit him on Instagram, and Soundcloud.



Are there examples of minimalism in music – and outside of music - that impressed you early on?

Early minimal music to me was early Chicago jack tracks.

Many were just beat tracks. Overall, very minimal in terms of production. But many had vocals / vocal samples, synths, and acid of course.



Do you tend to find that, as many claim, “less is more?” Are the notes you don't play really as important as the ones you do play?

I do not have a formal music theory background.

I have always gravitated to a more stripped down arrangement. I became very content with just a few elements in motion.

I wanted room for things to breath, so to say.



Do you feel as though making music is a process of adding elements until it is done – or one where you chisel away pieces from something that is already there?

I start from scratch most of the time. Adding bits, but trying to keep it stripped down.

There have been multiple times upon adding an element that within itself was dope but really didn’t fit and would save either the pattern or create a new track on the fly and pull stuff out and build around it.

I have never big on using templates. That could still find its way into my workflow. There are some complex Ableton chains I have been experimenting with that for sure will remain in the mix.



Many artists are becoming more minimalist in their music as the years go on, focusing on the “essence.” How is that for yourself and how would you describe your development in this regard?

Whether minimal or more produced, it really comes down to feel and imagining the setting.

I never really assessed the direction, other than tempo on a broader scale. Tempo while maintaining a heady/spacey/hypnotic feel is great.

What were some of the starting points for your most recent release?

I like to get on track right away and my approach is always with a percussion. From there I look to find an accompanying synth or bassline as the lead.

It never is the same process on the later part. Sometimes, it’s in the box or could be external gear.

If there is a stem or sample, I work that in as soon as possible and build around that.

How did a minimalist mindset possibly inform the creative process?

I think buy having less in motion initially keeps me focused on a simpler approach and opening a lot of creative ideas without 100 things in the mix.

Do you like to set yourself limitations? If so, which were some of those limitations for the new pieces?

Other than keeping it stripped down, not a whole lot of constraints.

Thanks to sampling and digital synthesis, there are endless possibilities for sculpting the sounds and overall sound design of a piece or album. What are your considerations in this regard?

This can lead you down a rabbit hole with so many possibilities.

I think having an ear and the ability to use these capabilities to audition ideas is useful. Just have to know when to quit versus grinding when you hit a wall.

Would you say that you approach your creative tools with a minimalist mindset? Or do you need a wide choice of instruments and tools to make music?

Early on I had no choice but to use what I had - which was a drum machine I borrowed, an Ensoniq sampler, 909 and a 303.

Really had to make the most out of what I had.

With so much incredible music instantly available, are you finding that you want to take it all in – or that you need to be more selective? How do you pick the music you really want to invest in?

I teeter totter with each new gig. I spend endless hours reviewing music for each coming show.

While reviewing promos 75% of the time, I try to shop and dig deeper. I really would like this to be a 50/50 split. I have various genres of music so each gig offers an opportunity to get more intimate with either a new artist, the genre, and expand that way.

I listen to a lot of music that I do not necessarily play out. I really enjoy a lot of dub ambient/techno.

Would you say that minimalism extends into other parts of your life as well?

I love minimal art in general.